Messi to return to Argentina duty for the Copa América

Following a disappointing World Cup with the 'albiceleste', Messi put his international committments to one side, with many believing that was the end of his Argentina career.

However, it now appears that he may be closer to a comeback than ever before, with 'TN' claiming that the Barcelona star has his eye on a return ahead of next summer's Copa América.

According to the reports, Messi took advantage of the Copa Libertadores final's move to Spain to meet with Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia in Madrid last week.

During that meeting, Messi is thought to have communicated that he is ready to return "as and when the manager sees it fit to select him".

Messi appears grateful for the change in approach adopted by the AFA in recent months, with it having been made clear that the team need to be built to support Messi, not rely on him.

The Rosario-born star is keen not to end his Argentina career on a bitter note despite the heavy criticism of his lack of success with his country.

Messi's last outing for Argentina came in the dramatic 4-3 defeat to France in the last 16 of the World Cup following their trials and tribulations during the group stage.

Previously, Messi reached three finals in a row between 2014 and 2016, making the World Cup final in 2014, before doing the same in the 2015 and 2016 Copas América, only to lose all three either in extra time or on penalties.